Her mortgage balance was under one hundred ninety thousand.
The ranch, in ordinary conditions, might appraise around two hundred sixty.
“Why?”
“Because I’m trying to be generous.”
“You came here to sell me eighteen thousand dollars of hay yesterday.”
“Circumstances change.”
“What circumstances?”
He glanced toward Section 12.
There it was.
Clara almost felt relieved.
Confirmation.
“No.”
“Think.”
“I have.”
“Three fifty.”
“No.”
“Cash.”
“No.”
“You can walk away debt-free.”
“No.”
His voice sharpened.
“What are you trying to prove?”
Clara stepped closer.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“How high you go.”
For the first time, Dwight looked uncertain.
She continued:
“Four hundred?”
He said nothing.
“Five?”
Silence.
Clara smiled.
“Interesting.”
“You're playing games.”
“No.”
“You just told me what my land is worth to you.”
Dwight stared.
Then turned away.
At his truck, he stopped.
“The drought is not ending because you found a hole full of water.”
“I know.”
“Your bank still wants money.”
“I know.”
“Your goats still need feed.”
“I know.”
“You’re going to lose something.”
Clara’s voice remained calm.
“Maybe.”
Dwight looked over his shoulder.
“Make sure it isn’t everything.”
He left.
Roy arrived fifteen minutes later.
Clara stared at him.
“You told him.”
Roy removed his hat.
“No.”
“He knew.”
“So does half the county.”
“Who told half the county?”
Roy looked guilty.
Clara closed her eyes.
“Roy.”
“I told my brother.”
“Your brother owns the gas station.”
“Yes.”
“The county newspaper is faster.”
“I’m sorry.”
Clara laughed despite herself.
“You are biologically incapable of secrecy.”
“I have many strengths.”
“Name one.”
Roy thought.
“Tractor.”
She almost smiled.
Then Roy became serious.
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
Clara waited.
“Dwight paid me.”
Her smile vanished.
“What?”
“Not like you think.”
“How do I think?”
“Probably bad.”
“Roy.”
He looked toward his boots.
“Back in June he asked me to keep an eye on your herd.”
Clara felt cold despite the heat.
“Why?”
“Said he was worried you were overwhelmed after Luke.”